Among AOI's newly introduced systems is a full counter-UAV (C-UAS) platform developed with a foreign defence partner, he said. 

Abdel Latif explained that the system combines a 3D radar for drone detection, a radio-frequency jamming suite, an electro-optical tracking unit, and a 23mm cannon mounted on a platform enhanced by artificial-intelligence technologies.

Speaking to Extra News, Abdel Latif described EDEX, which hosts more than 500 global defence companies this year, as "a vital window" for Egyptian defence industries to connect with international partners, access advanced technologies, and expand local production capabilities.

"The exhibition allows us to exchange ideas, strengthen industrial partnerships, and showcase the progress we have made in developing strategic technologies," he added.

According to General Abdel Latif, AOI also revealed two new unmanned platforms. The first is a loitering munition, or "suicide drone," which is air-launched from portable launchers and designed to target armoured vehicles, with an operational range of up to six kilometres. 

The second platform is the Aqrab (Scorpion) unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), capable of operating on all types of terrain. It carries a 23mm cannon on a stabilized platform and has a reported operational range of 20 kilometres.

Designed to support ground combat operations, the Aqrab illustrates Egypt's entry into the global trend of armed unmanned ground systems, increasingly used in modern battlefield strategies, he clarified.

On the third day of the exhibition, AOI signed a memorandum of understanding and a cooperation agreement with Sofema, a leading aerospace engineering and maintenance firm from France.

The agreement focuses on maintaining, overhauling, and repairing the LARZAC engine, which powers the Alpha Jet aircraft, and will utilize AOI’s Engine Factory capabilities. 

AOI Chairman Abdel Latif expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting Sofema's experience in aircraft-engine maintenance and its alignment with AOI's goal of becoming a regional hub for technology transfer and precision aerospace engineering.

Frédéric Tisserand, Sofema Chairman, praised the technical standards of AOI's Engine Factory, calling it "one of the leading defence-industry institutions in the Arab and African regions."

He added that the factory meets Sofema's strict global quality standards, reinforcing the potential for long-term cooperation.

On the opening day of EDEX 2025, AOI signed a major defence-manufacturing memorandum of understanding with China’s Norinco, one of the world’s largest defence conglomerates, aimed at expanding co-production and technology transfer. 

AOI also concluded seven cooperation agreements with Abu Dhabi Aviation Group covering aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, spare parts production, logistics support, and engine overhauls.

Founded in 1975, AOI has become a cornerstone of Egypt's efforts to build a self-reliant, regionally competitive military-industrial base.

EDEX 2025 is the largest edition of the exhibition since its launch in 2018. This year's event brings together over 500 international manufacturers, delegations from more than 86 countries, and more than 100 official delegations representing defence ministers, chiefs of staff, senior commanders, and national armament directors.

More than 40,000 visitors are expected over four days, highlighting Egypt’s growing role as a regional hub for defence cooperation, procurement, and industrial partnerships.